Dundee FC star Paul McGowan denies assaulting police after Celtic loss

Dundee FC midfielder Paul McGowan has denied obstructing five police officers.

The incident was alleged to have happened in Airdrie less than 24 hours after he had played in Dundee’s 2-1 defeat to Celtic at Celtic Park last November.

McGowan, 27, of Kelvin Street, Airdrie, was arrested in the early hours of November 23.

It was claimed McGowan behaved in a threatening or abusive manner which was likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm. It was also said he was aggressive and was shouting and swearing.

The midfielder, who began his career with Celtic, was also charged with resisting arrest, obstructing and hindering five police officers, struggling violently with them.

In a third charge he was accused of police assault at Coatbridge Police Office, where it was claimed he kicked Constable Jamie White on the body.

McGowan denied all of the charges when he made a brief appearance at Airdrie Sheriff Court for a preliminary hearing.

A further intermediate trial was set for March 19, with trial due a week later.

McGowan was released on bail.

For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Courier.